Chicago Corruption Probe Leads to Billionaire Ukrainian Oligarch

A billionaire international business tycoon from the Ukraine, under investigation by the FBI in Chicago on corruption charges, posted a record-setting $174 million bail in Austria Friday.

But what he was doing in Chicago and why the FBI wants Dmitry Firtash in custody so badly remains a mystery. Austrian law enforcement officials told ABC 7 News in Chicago that Firtash is suspected of bribery and forming a criminal organization, but that has not been confirmed by U.S. officials.

Firtash, who made his fortune in Russian natural gas, faces extradition to Chicago. He's reputed to have ties to Russian organized crime, and authorities worry he will flee to Russia where it will be difficult to bring him back to the United States. Wikileaks has reported that Firtash is connected to Russian mob boss Seymon Mogilevich, one of the FBI's most wanted fugitives.

A Forbes investigation suggests that Firtash may not be billionaire, that others may control substantial portions of his business. How he came into his wealth and position is as murky as his presence in Chicago.

After Firtash posted bail, Austrian authorities warned him not to leave Austria for his native Ukraine.

U.S. Attorney Zachary Fardon said the arrest had nothing to do with the current political and military clash between Russia and the Ukraine, reports ABC 7 News in Chicago.

Most recently, a member of British Parliament faced questions about money he received from a Firtash business associate.